What Is Spouse Visa ILR?

Complete 2025 guide for Spouse Visa ILR under Appendix FM — eligibility, £29,000 financial rule, SET(M) process, fees, KoLL, timelines & FAQs.

Spouse Visa ILR is the final stage of the UK spouse/partner immigration route. Once granted, ILR allows you to:

  • Live in the UK permanently
  • Work or study without restrictions
  • Access benefits (if eligible)
  • Apply for British citizenship

ILR proves that you are “settled” in the UK.

Our experienced immigration solicitors in London are here to help with all types of UK visas, asylum, nationality, appeals, or immigration issues. Call us today on 02039300554 to speak with our London immigration solicitors or book an appointment online for a confidential consultation.

When Can You Apply for ILR on a Spouse Visa?

Most applicants can apply after 5 years in the UK under the Spouse Visa (5-year route). To qualify for ILR, you must meet all eligibility criteria at the time of application.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is the UK’s form of permanent residence. For spouses and partners of British citizens or settled persons, ILR is the final stage of the Appendix FM partner route, converting temporary family permission into settled status. Once granted, ILR removes immigration time limits and gives you full rights to live, work, and study in the UK without restriction.

Eligibility Requirements for Spouse Visa ILR

To apply for ILR as a spouse under the five-year partner route, you must meet all of the following:

Relationship Requirement

You must be the spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner of:

  • a British citizen, or
  • a person settled in the UK (ILR, EU Settled Status), or
  • a person with refugee status or humanitarian protection

You must show:

  • A genuine and subsisting relationship
  • Intent to live together permanently in the UK
  • Evidence of 2 years of relationship as unmarried partners or a marriage certificate if you are married

Financial Requirement (£29,000 Income or £88,500 Savings)

From 11 April 2024, the financial requirement is:

  • £29,000 annual income, OR
  • £88,500 cash savings (if using savings alone), OR
  • A permitted combination of income + savings

Savings formula:
(Shortfall × 2.5) + £16,000

Examples included upon request.

Income can come from employment, self-employment, dividends, rental income, certain benefits, or non-employment income. All documents must strictly follow Appendix FM-SE, or the application will be refused.

Accommodation Requirement

Accommodation must be:

  • adequate
  • not overcrowded (Housing Act 1985 test)
  • free from reliance on public funds

Property can be owned, rented, or provided by family/friends, but you must show exclusive use of your household’s rooms.

English Language & Life in the UK (KoLL Requirement)

You must:

  • pass a B1 English test (speaking & listening), unless exempt
  • pass the Life in the UK Test

Exemptions apply if:

  • under 18
  • over 65
  • medically exempt with evidence

Suitability Requirements

ILR may be refused for suitability issues under Appendix FM (S-ILR), including:

  • criminal convictions
  • deception or false representations
  • NHS debt > £500
  • immigration breaches
  • deportation orders

Full disclosure is essential.

How to Apply for ILR (SET(M) Process)?

You can apply:

  • up to 28 days before completing 60 months
  • before your visa expires

Late applications are classed as overstaying, unless covered by paragraph 39E (14-day discretion for reasons beyond your control).

Our spouse visa ILR solicitors in London can prepare and submit your ILR spouse visa application to the Home Office under super priority service.
Contact Us

Application Procedure (Step-by-Step) For Spouse Visa ILR

  • Complete Form SET(M) on GOV.UK
  • Pay the application fee
  • Upload evidence to the UKVCAS portal
  • Book and attend a UKVCAS biometric appointment
  • Wait for the Home Office decision
  • Receive your decision notice and digital status (eVisa)

You must not leave the UK while the application is pending.

Required Documents (Appendix FM-SE)

Typically includes:

  • passports & BRPs
  • partner’s passport/status
  • 2.5 years cohabitation evidence (spread evenly)
  • financial evidence (payslips, employer letters, bank statements, tax docs)
  • accommodation evidence
  • English test certificate
  • Life in the UK pass
  • travel evidence
  • dependant documents (if applicable)

All documents must be in English/Welsh or accompanied by certified translations.

Fees For Spouse Visa ILR In 2025

  • ILR (SET(M)) fee: £3,029
  • Super Priority: £1,000 (next working day)

There is no Immigration Health Surcharge at ILR stage.

Processing, Decisions & What Happens Next?

Processing Times

  • Standard: up to 6 months
  • Super Priority: next working day

Delays occur if documents require verification or if an interview is needed.

After ILR Is Granted

You will receive:

  • An email confirmation
  • A digital eVisa (BRPs end in 2024–2025)

You can:

  • work without restriction
  • access benefits (where eligible)
  • travel in and out of the UK freely

Losing ILR

ILR lapses if:

  • you are outside the UK for 2+ years, or
  • deportation is ordered

You may be able to return via the Returning Resident Visa.

British Citizenship After ILR (Spouses of British Citizens)

Spouses of British citizens may apply for naturalisation immediately after ILR under section 6(2) of the British Nationality Act 1981.

You must meet:

  • residence limits (270 days in 3 years)
  • good-character requirement
  • English + Life in the UK
  • effective immigration status

This is the final step toward full British citizenship and a UK passport.

Why Choose Our Immigration Solicitors In London?

Are you looking for trusted immigration solicitors in London to help you with your UK visa or immigration matter? Here are a few good reasons of why you should choose our immigration solicitors:

  • Our team of expert immigration solicitors in London has years of experience handling all types of UK visa and immigration matters.
  • We offer clear and competitive fees with flexible payment options, so you know exactly what to expect—no hidden costs.
  • Every case is different. We give personalised advice and solutions based on your unique situation.
  • We respond quickly, keep you updated, and work to meet all Home Office deadlines.
  • Whether it’s a Skilled Worker visa, Spouse visa, or British citizenship—we handle all UK immigration applications and appeals.
  • Our London immigration lawyers have a strong track record in winning difficult cases, including visa refusals and Judicial Reviews.
  • You can speak to our solicitors via phone, video call, or email—no need to travel to our office.
  • We are fully regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, ensuring you get trusted and professional legal services.
  • Need urgent help? We offer same-day appointments to assist with last-minute applications or legal emergencies.
  • We help UK employers with Sponsor Licences, Skilled Worker visas, and compliance with immigration law.
  • Our office is based in London, Croydon, easily accessible by public transport for in-person appointments.